Opposition politicians and some academics railed against the plan, arguing that it was too expensive. They also said Porter’s free market philosophy clashed with the Thai government’s more protective and protectionist desires.
It was not until Porter withdrew from the talks last Thursday that Porter’s account of the discussions emerged.
In a letter Porter wrote detailing his reasons for withdrawing, he explained that the structure of the study had been far from what had been reported in the media.
He said the price tag—which would have ranged from $375,000 to $575,000—would have gone to hire local Thais, who after being trained by Porter, would have completed the bulk of the study.
Porter said his role would have been the “statistical analysis and guidance of the work.” His only visit to Thailand would have come at the end of the study to present his findings and offer his advice.
Porter has conducted similar studies for counties around the world, and is said by economic experts to maintain one of the best databases of information regarding competitiveness.
Porter said he ended negotiations because of the climate that surrounded discussion of the project.
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